Iran Advances Electronic Coupon System as Part of Comprehensive Market Stability Strategy
In a high-level meeting chaired by First Vice President Dr. Mohammad Mokhber, senior government officials detailed the next phase of Iran’s Electronic Coupon System, underscoring its role within a broader national strategy for economic stability and essential commodity distribution. The meeting centered on implementing the directives of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, with a core focus on safeguarding public welfare and ensuring market equilibrium.
Strategic Focus on Essential Commodities
Dr. Mokhber emphasized that the government’s primary strategy, in line with the Leader’s guidance, is the timely provision of essential goods and the stabilization of their prices for all citizens. He highlighted that this has been a fundamental objective of the Market Regulation Headquarters since the inception of the current administration. A key resolution has been approved and communicated to build strategic reserves of essential commodities, ensuring a reliable buffer for national food security.
A significant emphasis was placed on avoiding market monopolies and fostering a competitive environment across the entire supply chain—from production and sourcing to distribution. The goal is to ensure that essential goods reach the people without anxiety over availability or sudden price hikes.
Expansion of the Electronic Coupon Initiative
The Minister of Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Welfare provided a report on the forthcoming third phase of the Electronic Coupon scheme. It was announced that this new phase will soon be initiated for three further deciles of society, expanding the program’s reach to support more families with access to vital goods.
Strengthening Market Discipline and Oversight
The meeting also addressed the critical importance of market discipline. Officials stated that people should never feel the market has been abandoned to volatility. To this end, supervisory and inspection bodies, alongside trade unions, have been directed to intensify their monitoring activities. The government has also placed a serious crackdown on profiteering and hoarding high on its agenda.
Furthermore, the Vice President warned that disrupting market calm is a primary strategy of adversaries following their recent failures, and thus, maintaining stability is a matter of national security.
Parallel Support for Education and Production
In tandem with the coupon system’s expansion, the government reported significant progress in preparing for the new academic year. Over 90% of required student textbooks have already been supplied, with coordinated efforts underway to provide the remainder. A fall stationery exhibition is being held this week, and importers have been allocated the necessary foreign currency to clear goods from customs, ensuring students have access to high-quality, affordable supplies.
The Ministry of Agriculture also presented a comprehensive plan to reduce and stabilize the price of poultry, tasked with utilizing all necessary mechanisms and cooperatives to achieve this goal promptly.
This multi-faceted approach demonstrates the government’s comprehensive commitment to managing the economy, supporting domestic production, and prioritizing the livelihood of its citizens through structured social support programs like the Electronic Coupon system.